One recent directory I found that as some unusual color schemes, design and even functionalities is this one The Directory Zone.
My alltime favourites are Free Web index , Romow , Directory Dump , Ask Directory , Forplex , Port Prophecy and Glass Palace Directory + Top Hits Directory [Last two are mine, but honestly they are my favs too]
I'm not sure what crazies are paying than many of the less-than-stellar directories that are listed here, but I think there are several better free directories that are not listed here.
I am one of the crazy that is paying to be listed on this less-than-stellar directories, I think I am listed in all of then, you ask why? Because it’s very easy to look at the template and do a backlink search and discover that the owner is committed spending time and money on is directory, and it’s a proof of trust and incentive to help this guys out, and I also feel they will give me great value and I like to enter before they raise the prices. I am a owner of a startup directory and I feel proud and great joy when someone like Chris (alive) and Jeff (aviva) and many others submit several links to my PR0 directory. It’s so easy to spot quality when you have the knowledge you don’t have to wait for PR update or for the years to pass. There some fine free directories but unfortunately 99% of free directories offer almost no value, off course there are paid directories that also offer no value, but there you must do your research before you submit.
You are right the most expensive directory as created a all new category on its own. And a new standard to help measure quality directories. Directories will never be the same after The Most Expensive Directory.
I do like the colour scheme on that one, and it's nice and uncluttered. That's the essence of good design. You've got to be kidding. Orange and grey, with two completely different shades of blue? Those colours just do not go. I've never been a fan of that kind of clashing aesthetic.